Thiruvananthapuram, August 23 — Football fans in India are set for a historic moment as Argentina captain Lionel Messi is expected to visit Kerala in November. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will lead Argentina in a FIFA international friendly scheduled to be held in the state, marking his first official match appearance in India.

According to officials, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) has confirmed discussions with FIFA and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) regarding the fixture. The venue is likely to be finalized soon, with the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi and Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram under consideration.

The development has sparked excitement among Indian football enthusiasts, who rarely get the chance to watch global icons like Messi play live on home soil. Kerala, known for its passionate football following, has previously hosted international friendlies featuring teams such as Argentina, Venezuela, and Nigeria, but Messi’s participation is expected to draw record-breaking crowds.

State officials said necessary arrangements are being made to ensure world-class facilities and security for the high-profile event. Ticketing details are expected to be announced once FIFA formally approves the schedule.

For Messi, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and Copa America triumph in 2021, the India visit will be another chapter in his celebrated career. For Kerala, the event is being seen as an opportunity to showcase its ability to host large-scale international sporting events.

If finalized, the friendly could mark a new milestone in India’s football journey, boosting the sport’s popularity across the country